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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Presenting at Conferences

I was invited to speak at my second conference since I was accepted as a Google Education Trainer. It really got me thinking, is the certification getting me the recognition and acceptance? Or am I just becoming more confident to apply for conferences because of the certification.

It's true that I have applied for both conferences that I will be speaking at this summer. It's also true that I wouldn't have applied without being an authorized Google Education Trainer. So perhaps it's the later. The recognition from Google has helped with my confidence compared to just my colleagues telling me to apply. For the past three years, I have been helping my colleagues with technology though the school. I have also been given the opportunity to work with teachers from other buildings as part of the Math and Science Partnership. It was the Math and Science Partnership that invited me to my first Google Summit. Here is where I first heard the terms "Google Education Trainer" and "Google Certified Teacher" along with the requirements for acceptance.

I immediately went and took the five exams required to become a Google Educator. I breezed through all five in a day and continued on with preparing to apply for both programs. My application for Google Education Trainer was simple enough. I updated my resume, completed a case study, and then made a two minute screenshot video demonstration. The application for the Google Teacher Academy included essays and a video. Unfortunately I wasn't accepted into GTA on my first try. It's alright though because some of the GCTs I've met said it took multiple application periods before they were invited. GTA only accepts 50 teachers per session, and that's internationally. It was an upsetting setback but I won't give up. As Babe Ruth, once said "you can't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." No one likes rejection and I just need to take the opportunity to improve and try again.